1. Adoption of the constitution
LG: I will analyze the necessity of a new constitution by analyzing the events leading up to the adoption.

2. I. Constitutional roots
A. Toward Unity and Order
Declaration of Independence >>
Revolutionary War >>
Articles of Confederation (1781) and its weak central government

3. II. Articles of confederation
Created "fragile league of friendship," not a nation – true power is in the hands of the state legislatures
1. No power to tax
2. No chief executive and no national judiciary
3. No power to regulate interstate or foreign commerce
4. No national currency
5. Weak and inadequate central government
Annapolis Convention in 1786 called for a convention to amend the Articles of Confederation
Shays’ Rebellion acted as a catalyst to strengthen the Articles of Confederation

4. 1.3 Which describes the Articles of Confederation?
Here’s a question about the preceding subject. Can you answer it?
A blueprint for a strong national government
The way Britain ruled the colonies
A loose association between the original states
Made up of a strong president and legislature, but no judiciary 4

5. 1.3 Which describes the Articles of Confederation?
The Articles gave power to states and offered little in the way of federal power.
A blueprint for a strong national government
The way Britain ruled the colonies
A loose association between the original states
Made up of a strong president and legislature, but no judiciary 5

6. III. Constitutional convention
A. The Virginia Plan (favored by more populous states) 1. Called for a legislature based on population B. The New Jersey Plan (favored by small states) 2. Called for a legislature based on equal representation C. The Connecticut Compromise 3. Called for one house based on equal representation (Senate) and a second house in which representation would be based on population (House of Reps.)

7. Constitutional Convention
1.4
Constitutional Convention
Representing different people and different ideas, the Constitutional Convention devised a totally new form of government. It provided for a central government strong enough to rule but still responsible to its citizens and member states. And they did it during a hot summer with the windows nailed shut for privacy.

8. IV. Conflict & compromise
A. North‑South Compromise
1. Issue of representation in the House of Representatives was resolved by the three‑fifths compromise – counting of slaves (North gets taxes, South gets reps)
B. Election of the President
Life term v. annual election >> compromise of a 4-year term

9. TABLE 1.2: Constitutional Convention: Conflict and compromise
1.4
TABLE 1.2: Constitutional Convention: Conflict and compromise
This table shows the proposals of the large and small states and the compromise that was reached between them. Which states fared better in the compromise, large or small?

10. V. Federalist vs. antifederalist
Federalists
1. Elites most fit to govern; Feared “excesses” of democracy
2. Favored strong central government
Antifederalists
Feared concentration of power in hands of elites
Feared strong central government, favored stronger state governments
Feared the lack of Bill of Rights – their strongest argument
The Federalist essays (written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay) helped the ratification process

11. 1.5 What was the biggest contribution of the Anti-Federalists?
Here’s a quick review question about the Anti-Federalists.
The Federalist Papers
The Bill of Rights
New York’s support for ratification
The New Jersey Plan 11

12. 1.5 What was the biggest contribution of the Anti-Federalists?
The Anti-Federalists believed that, since bills of rights were needed in state constitutions to limit state governments, then the national constitution should include one to limit the national government.
The Federalist Papers
The Bill of Rights
New York’s support for ratification
The New Jersey Plan 12

13. 1.5
Explore American Government: How Long Did It Take to Ratify the Constitution?
We’ve learned that ratification of the constitution was a lengthy process and it’s ratification was not a given. Let’s try this Explorer activity to learn more.

14. VI. Ratification
A. All 13 states ratified the constitution by 1790

15. 1
Video: So What?
Tyranny, revolution, self-government, chaos, tyranny, etc. — most nations have experienced this cycle in some form throughout their history. Author David B. Magleby explains how the U.S. Constitution has safeguarded America from this pattern and allowed us to become one of the most powerful democracies in the world.

16. 1
Discussion Question
Why did the states choose to abolish the Articles of Confederation and write a new Constitution? What political beliefs underlie the design of the new government?